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Original poster

What happens if you need the loo (Westminster Abbey)?!

105 replies

JessieLola · 19/09/2022 09:04

Makes me cross my legs just thinking about it. Some of those people have been sitting there for ages already and the service doesn’t start for two hours. No-one seems to be getting up and popping off for to the loo…maybe they’re told they can’t once seated?

I think I would actually turn an invite down on that basis!!!

OP posts:
MinglingFlamingo · 19/09/2022 09:05

JessieLola · 19/09/2022 09:04

Makes me cross my legs just thinking about it. Some of those people have been sitting there for ages already and the service doesn’t start for two hours. No-one seems to be getting up and popping off for to the loo…maybe they’re told they can’t once seated?

I think I would actually turn an invite down on that basis!!!

Bumping this thread for you because I also really want to know the answer to this

Heatherjayne1972 · 19/09/2022 09:16

Presumably they can move freely around before the service I think the abbey is legally obliged to provide toilets.
during the service I think it’s a no no

not sure about the royals tho
I suppose they arrive just as the service starts and leave immediately so they ( I’d guess) go at home

User287264 · 19/09/2022 09:17

I thought this too. I couldn't sit for that length of time. Do you think you get a time slot and the least famous people have to be there first?

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BenCooperSuperTrouper · 19/09/2022 09:18

My Mum and I have decided that people with weak bladders will be wearing adult nappies, like astronauts.

bloodyunicorns · 19/09/2022 09:19

That's what I was wondering!

UnityO · 19/09/2022 09:19

There are loos inside the abbey so I expect people who arrived early can just nip to use them before the service starts.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 19/09/2022 09:55

BenCooperSuperTrouper · 19/09/2022 09:18

My Mum and I have decided that people with weak bladders will be wearing adult nappies, like astronauts.

You wouldn't want to be sat next to one of those for two hours, especially if they'd had a curry and few beers yesterday evening at the Palace.

Sparklingbrook · 19/09/2022 10:03

I would be seeing what i could get on Just Eat or Getir at this point. I bet those pews are uncomfortable too.

CallMeLinda · 19/09/2022 10:09

I expect the early arrival is security related in some way?
The abbey should have toilets somewhere (I've been in there but didn't have to use them so didn't really notice!), and I expect they can use them up to a certain point before the service.

Georgeskitchen · 19/09/2022 10:10

These dignitaries probably have plenty of experience in sitting along time. They probably just have one cup of tea or coffee in the morning and make sure they have a few wees before they leave. I bet it's a relief when it's all over!!

RudsyFarmer · 19/09/2022 10:11

I just wouldn’t drink that morning.

confusedlots · 19/09/2022 10:12

I know someone who is there and she was seated shortly after 8am so I'm assuming they are told what time to arrive

minipie · 19/09/2022 10:13

A cast iron bladder is the main qualification for being a world leader.

CallMeLinda · 19/09/2022 10:15

confusedlots · 19/09/2022 10:12

I know someone who is there and she was seated shortly after 8am so I'm assuming they are told what time to arrive

I bet its security. You wouldn't want half the leaders in a gaggle on the street, would you? Bit awful for the 8am stint though.

NuffSaidSam · 19/09/2022 10:18

I was wondering exactly the same thing. They're so packed in, you'd have to make the whole line stand up to let you out and back in again. You can't see anyone moving around!

Baroftheweek · 19/09/2022 10:22

Absolutely my first thought upon seeing them sitting there at 8am this morning!
And also that my knees would seize up sitting like that for so long.

CallMeLinda · 19/09/2022 10:22

If it was me, I'd get in the abbey, ask where the loo was, and have an emergency wee before I sat down <g>
If you didn't drink anything in the morning, you could probably go till 12/1 fairly comfortably if you went at 8/9am.

greenhousegal · 19/09/2022 10:23

It must be so tedious sitting there for hours trying to behave yourself and not giggle or something. I would be out of my mind -

a. with boredom
b. with a desperate need to use the loo at some point, happens the minute I think of it
c. I'd feel totally trapped and would panic and need to get out which would make me even more panicked for having to making a show of myself leaving the seat.

Glad I'm watching at home. I don't know how they do it TBH.

Hellocatshome · 19/09/2022 10:29

That was my first thought as well. Even if I didnt need a wee knowing I couldn't go for one would most definitely mean I needed one. Also they have to spend all that time looking suitably sombre, imagine the cameras catching you laughing at the Queens funeral!

Windinthepillows · 19/09/2022 10:32

Really, you’ve never had to sit anywhere like that? You just don’t drink too much in the morning and go to the bog before hand.

Hellocatshome · 19/09/2022 10:34

Windinthepillows · 19/09/2022 10:32

Really, you’ve never had to sit anywhere like that? You just don’t drink too much in the morning and go to the bog before hand.

Not for that many hours and at that age no. Some have been sitting there since 8am and the funeral isn't for hours yet.

Sparklingbrook · 19/09/2022 10:46

Windinthepillows · 19/09/2022 10:32

Really, you’ve never had to sit anywhere like that? You just don’t drink too much in the morning and go to the bog before hand.

I've never sat anywhere like that for that long either.

NuffSaidSam · 19/09/2022 11:08

Windinthepillows · 19/09/2022 10:32

Really, you’ve never had to sit anywhere like that? You just don’t drink too much in the morning and go to the bog before hand.

No! Have most people sat somewhere like that then? A monarchs funeral, watched by the world, massively security controlled, for hours on end?! That's an everyday experience is it?

TurquoiseDress · 19/09/2022 11:13

Yes this crossed my mind this morning while watching people arrive at Westminster Abbey hours ago

TheTeddyBears · 19/09/2022 11:16

I was actually just mentioned this but about the kids. Can imagine mine being like I need to go mum like really really need it. It's a lot for those kids to take in at their age expected to sit quietly for so long etc.

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